Multi-agent approach and stochastic optimization: random events in manufacturing systems

Abstract

We propose a method to solve industrial problems and to take into account random events. It is called the triple coupling. It is based on stochastic algorithms, a simulation model and the multi-agents model of artificial intelligence. The method we propose is easy to use and allows us to take into account most of the constraints found in manufacturing systems. Experts look for solutions to increasing the capacity of production. But the production can be disturbed by random events experienced by the system. Industrial experts need schedules which prevent the consequences of random events. Minimizing such consequences is very important to increasing system delivery. Capital investment is often very high in factories and the cost of the investment goes on regardless of whether the resources are running or not. The multi-agent approach is used to determine schedules for which the consequences of random events are low, and a stochastic algorithm is proposed which permits us to optimize a random variable. We prove that this algorithm finds, with probability one, the schedule of the production for which the consequences of random events are the lowest. We propose to measure the consequences of random events using an influence ratio. Our approach has been used to study the consequences of random events in Peugeot sand foundries of Sept-Fons (France). A benchmark test is presented to prove the efficiency of our solution. For the Peugeot sand foundry of Sept-Fond, random events increase the production time by about 20% compared with the production time without any random events occurring. We have determined schedules of production for which the consequences of random events are about 0.5%.